"I began drawing at the age of 4. My aunt was deeply inspirational, and I would stay with her and paint for hours in her apartment. I was known for being able to do art throughout all of my years in school. Then, I won the a prestigious art award as a senior in high school. Upon graduation, I attended Michigan State University. My area of emphasis was life drawing. I discovered my interest in pastels about 20 years ago, and I studied with Tony Ortega at the Art Student league of Denver. I completed my formal education at Colorado Christian University. Interior Design has been my bread and butter for over thirty years, and the combination of Interior Design and Art adds to what, I believe, is the perfect combination to understand just what my clients want in their homes and businesses. I opened Jackstraw Mountain Gallery of Art and Design fifteen years ago in Grand Lake, Colorado, where I have an easel set up all day long. Patrons can come and go as I paint and do design. There is always a work-in-progress on the easel!"